Old Vicarage Care Home

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

People were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Care plans were clear and provided appropriate guidance to staff to keep people safe. There were sufficient numbers of well trained staff in place to support people to meet their needs.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

There were effective systems, processes and practices to ensure people were safe from the risk of harm and abuse.

The manager said staff had completed safeguarding training and safeguarding was discussed at team meetings. Staff were able to tell us how to report safeguarding and who to inform. Staff told us of signs they would look out for, and felt confident the manager would listen to them.

People told us they felt safe, and people looked relaxed, happy and comfortable with staff supporting them. Comments from people included, “Yes, I’m safer here than living at home” and “Yes, I’m looked after very well and feel safe with the staff here.” One relative said, “She is safe here.”

Staff told us they received daily handovers, which helped ensure they were fully briefed on any updates on people’s needs. Risks to people were discussed and action was taken when needed.

Records guided staff in providing safe care. Risk assessments for weight management and nutrition and dependency levels had been undertaken when required. Equipment and utilities were regularly checked to ensure they were safe to use.

There were effective systems in place to ensure people were safely supported, for example with their medicines and their mobility. Care plans contained appropriate guidance and direction for staff to keep people safe. For example, food and drink monitoring. Emergency plans were in place outlining the support people would need to evacuate the building in an emergency. Fire safety procedures and appropriate checks and training for staff were in place.

Staff knew people well and were aware of people's risks and how to keep them safe. Risk assessments had been updated and completed which meant staff had guidance on how to manage people’s care safely. One person told us how the staff assisted them in moving around the service safely.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The staff rota showed 2 staff on duty each day. However, the staff had additional tasks to do each day, often leaving 1 staff to oversee 3 floors. Other tasks included, administering medicines, making drinks, and preparing the evening meals. This meant people could be placed at risk.

Staff said they had the knowledge and skills and the relevant qualifications to care for people living in the service. Training records confirmed staff had attended relevant training to their role.

Recruitment practices were thorough and included pre-employment checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service before new staff started work. The information helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. Staff received training and support designed to ensure they had the skills necessary to meet people’s needs.

People said they had received good care and treatment from staff. Most people felt there were enough staff around to help them when needed, though some days staff were busier and they had to wait a little longer. People were comfortable and relaxed with the staff, who they approached for guidance or support without hesitation.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.